So now I am definitely hooked into making socks and do have a few skeins lurking in my stash ; now why do I have sock yarn? Well it's the ideal weight yarn for so many lovely things too, like shawls and lacy things. I am still awaiting the delivery of a few more sock yarns and when they arrive I will photo all of them.
So as I said in my previous post I am at the minute making sock yarn out of Ryeland fleece. This fleece is so soft and spins so lovely that I am spinning the whole 500gm for socks and have ordered more from Yorkshire Woollybacks and a few other fleece to try as well. Sandie is a mine of info re fleece and is such a lovely person; I could have talked 'sheep' all day :).
I am comparing this spun yarn to the blue bought sock yarn which is a tad thicker than the Regia I made my socks in.This skein I have done already weighs just over 100gm and is 260m so I will spin a bit more to make sure I have enough.
Now I am going to set myself a challenge here. I have never tried painting yarn as opposed to just rainbow dyeing it which I have done. I have the book 'Yarns to Dye for ' and I want to try and do some self patterning yarn. This involves as I read it measuring the minimum of 20ft so that each section can be dyed to certain lengths. Will have a go and see what happens .
I am still knitting Emily's jacket (am on the sleeves now )but I have to say the task is now a lot easier with my new Boye needles. I am really pleased so far with these needles. They have lovely points which is going to be great for lace knitting. I have posted a piccie to point out some other details. I have read that some people don't like the fact that at the end where the needle meets the join there is bend; now I personally like this as it doesn't dig into me and fits great in my hands, the points as I said are great , I don't find them heavy , and I like the fact that the cord does not have a memory so no fighting with them . The yarn I am using for the jacket is fluffy and clingy and I haven't found it snagging at the joints in any way. So I give them the thumbs up so far but will see how they wear re the thread joins etc
I would just like to say thanks to you all for the lovely comments re my 'boucle' etc ; I really do appreciate your comments . Thank you :)
23 comments:
oooh I love a new sock convert. Nice homespun sock yarn there.
are you interested in this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ashford-Drum-Carder_W0QQitemZ300080469031QQihZ020QQcategoryZ3121QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item300080469031
Lovely socks, well done. I did just use the simple opal pattern free from GK, but just changed the heel to the 3stitch garter edge!!
Good luck on the stashalong, I'm on one too, let's hope I do better this time around ;)
I've recently fallen in love with knitting socks, too. :0) They're addictive!
I can't wait to see your painted yarn!
The socks are lovely. I was surprised how much more comfy hand knitted socks are too.
The socks are looking good Mum! And so is the homespun sock yarn - whats the blue stuff? I can't keep up with you anymore! LOL!
Great socks - glad to hear you're converted. Can't wait to see how the dyeing goes.
Love the Socks. I still can't find it in my Heart to enjoy Sock knitting. Second Sock Syndrom I think puts me of but will try again. You need to get yourself a Pair of Sockblockers from Holly at the Kniting Haven Forum you'll love making Socks even more then.
Sandie told me about your,erm, shopping with her .....lol. She sure is a great Lady and what she don't know about Sheep/Fleece ect is probably not worth knowing anyway. She taught me how wonderful Sheep realy are and her Rylands are just wonderful.
Keep up with the 'Oath' you can do it!!!
Sock knitting is soooo addictive, and have to agree sock yarn is so versatile (that's what I keep saying every time I add to the ever increasing sock stash!). And your spinning is gorgeous - so neat and even. And love the colour. So when will it be on sale? :)
Pleased you enjoyed your sock experience! They look fab! Be warned, its addictive!
Love your Ryeland sock yarn, Sandie sounds a gem!
Good luck with the dyeing too, (another thing on my to do list!) looking forward to the finished results.
I know the book is good, I've had it out from the library for months, but here's a few links that might help too..
http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2005/12/techniques_selfstriping_yarn.html
http://www.streetsandyos.com/archives/2005/06/selfstriping.php
http://www.champagnebohemian.com/champagnebohemian/archives/000248.html
by the way...doing secret pal 10 is a clever way for me to spil my secret pal, knowing somebody elde will be choosing special treats for me!
that should read spoil!!
Love the socks - careful now, they really are addictive!
There is something about knitting & wearing hand knitted socks! Sock books are addictive too! Nice socks!
Re Twisted Sisters book. I've not had time to read it right through, but what I have read and skimmed through, I think is brilliant!
The books divided into 3 sections, the first on Dyeing,mixing colours, developing colour schemes, and different types of dyeing amongst others. The second chapter looks at fibre preparation,eg what happens to colour when you spin, designing 2 ply yarns etc. The last chapter concentrates on the knitting of the socks including how to make them fit, different methods of casting on and binding off, different heels and toes and so much more! I hope this waffle will be helpful! Can you tell I luurrve this book!
I had the Twisted Sisters Sock Book for Christmas, well chosen by the other half. Its a fabulous book!!I havent tried dying any of my own yet but I have some stashed sock yarn ready.
I know, I couldn't understand the passion for socks until I tried them - now I'm hopelessly hooked. And Silvia, the cure for Second Sock Syndrome is simple - knit them both at the same time. Yes, you need two sets of needles, but what the hell, you get to finish them together too!
I had a lot of fun trying space-dyeing and painting. Still at the experimental stage. Let us all see how you get on!
Jo (at Celtic Memory Yarns)
Great socks, but I love your boots!!! What are DM? and where can I find them? I had a pair of boots that looked similiar to your DM. (Can't remember what brand except European) They lasted for years until I literally wore through the tops. Had them resoled several times.
And your ring is fabulous!
Love the socks!
Your dyeing plans sound really interesting.
Socks! they're portable, quick to knit and so wearable. mmmm. May be see you over a swop bot swopping sock yarn soon then.
I've been debating which set of needles to get - those boye needles look great and I love the colours.
Love the socks - they're fab!!
Congratulations on your first socks. They are really lovely. I'm waiting expectantly to see the results of your self-patterning yarn dyeing.
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